Just one example of some good commentary here. Scroll down for a lot more from a number of people. If you're interested in this subject, you should be checking in on this site.

I will have an essay on how to get to the Moon shortly, but my old analysis was: Want a Moon Base? Give me $10 billion and get out of the way. Give USAF the mission and $12 billion and let them do it "black" with exemptions from ADA, EOEA, and all other regulations. Better, give it to the Navy under the same conditions. Give USAF $30 billion and have them do it under the ASPRs and all other regulations.

Or give NASA $100 billion and watch it not happen even then.

My new analysis is similar, except that NASA will want more and take longer; and I am unsure how much I would need if I were simply given the money. More, I think, meaning that all the others will need more also. Understand when I say "Give me the money" I mean that I know the people who can do it, and I think I know how to get back to competence through competition. The program needs to be directed by someone who understands the strategy of technology. We don't have too many now.

My first move would be to get Pete Warden 3 stars so that there would be someone with some understanding in the Pentagon, which will have to be involved if this is to work.

I will flag the essay when it shows up. He's right in that he knows the people who can do it. I know a lot of them too.